MISS VIRGINIA, KATIE ROSE
Katie Rose, Miss Virginia 2023, is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of the George Mason University with a B.A. in government and international law and minors in legal studies and dance appreciation. In May, she received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Richmond School of Law. Katie has interned twice with the White House and three times on Capitol Hill, and has served as a Policy Fellow for the Office of the Virginia Governor. An advocate for domestic violence prevention through empowering women and enabling reform, Katie is also an ambassador with the LAWS Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services, and stays involved in domestic violence support initiatives through the Commonwealth. Katie’s goal is to empower women to become the best version of themselves and to regain their power and strength to break them from abusive situations. Prior to her title of Miss Virginia, Katie was involved in the Miss America’s Teen program for two years and competed at the state level a total of seven times before winning the crown. She competed in the Miss America competition in January 2024, where she performed ballet en pointe for talent. 

LISA SMARTT
Lisa Smartt is a 51-year-old woman who loves to laugh! She lives on 16 wooded acres on the outskirts of Dresden, Tennessee, with her more-than-wonderful husband of 26 years, two teenage sons (who sometimes fight), and a misguided cat named "Hobo." She travels nationally as a motivational humorist and writes a weekly newspaper column called, "The Smartt View." Her future aspirations include organizing her purse, eating more green leafy vegetables, and cleaning out the hall closet.